Diaz was released from the Santa Cruz County Jail just two days before he was found dead, deputy Matt Davis said.

In the past year, the homeless man had been arrested in Santa Cruz County at least nine times. He was most recently arrested on Main Street in Watsonville for disorderly conduct and violating probation.

On Friday morning, two residents were out on a morning walk when they spotted a body on the side of a rural road in Aromas. They called 911 after making the grizzly discovery. The body was found in dry brush along the 700 block of Carpenteria Road.

Detectives said Diaz had been shot several times, and they are investigating his death as suspicious. It was not clear if Diaz had been shot on Carpenteria Road or if his body was dumped there.

Debbie Iannareilli lives nearby and said she did not hear any gunshots Thursday night.

No suspects have been arrested.

Davis said anyone with information about what Diaz was doing between the time he was released from jail on Aug. 20, and when he was found dead on Aug. 22, should call the Sheriff's Office at 831-755-3772.